The Impact of Sexual Assault on Survivors Is More Than Skin-Deep

Sexual assault is something that no one should ever have to experience. While physical trauma will heal, emotional and psychological trauma can linger for the remainder of an assault survivor’s lifetime. According to data from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), “one in five women and one in seventy-one men will be raped at some point in their lives.” What’s even more alarming is that the vast majority of survivors report being assaulted by someone they knew.

Researchers have estimated that the lifetime cost of rape per victim is $122,461. Unfortunately, some of this cost is paid for by the victim. In a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, researchers estimated that victims paid an average of $950 in medical bills for receiving treatment after their assault. This means that survivors do not only have to cope with heavy physical and emotional burdens but heavy financial burdens as well. 

Unfortunately, many survivors never report being sexually assaulted. According to a study from the National Statistic Institute (ISTAT), researchers found that approximately 91.6% of rapes are not reported to the police. However, in a 2019 report from the New York Times (NYT), the New York City Police stated that the number of reported rapes increased by 22.4% within the past year. That equates to roughly 300 more people coming forward to inform police of their assault.

Maureen Curtis, the Director of Criminal Justice Programs for Safe Horizon, believes that the sharp increase in reported rapes may be the result of shifting cultural landscapes. “[Survivors are] feeling more believed,” said Curtis in an interview with the NYT. “There’s more compassion, and there’s less blaming around the person who has been victimized.”

Contact a New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you were the victim of sexual assault or abuse, Hach & Rose, LLP‘s compassionate and understanding team of attorneys will take aggressive action to seek justice on your behalf. We are here to support you, so contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our team today.

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